6 Early Signs of Dementia That Might Seem Completely Normal at First

Identifying the early signs of dementia can be difficult, as they often resemble typical forgetfulness or shifts in mood. However, recognizing these subtle warning signs early on can be crucial for effective management and getting the appropriate support in place.

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1. Difficulty performing familiar daily tasks

Routine activities that once felt effortless can become overwhelming for someone with dementia. Simple tasks such as dressing, cooking, or bathing may turn confusing as the brain loses its ability to sequence steps or recall necessary actions. A person might forget the correct order for putting on clothes, struggle to prepare a basic meal, or neglect hygiene due to memory lapses.

These difficulties often lead to increased dependence on caregivers, highlighting the progressive nature of the condition.

2. Alzheimer’s-specific symptoms

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, which affects memory, planning, and organization skills.

Maintaining good oral health is crucial, not just for a bright smile, but also for your brain health, especially when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. Research has shown that a bacterium, linked to gum disease, has been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This bacterium produces harmful substances that can damage brain cells, leading to the buildup of proteins that cause memory loss and cognitive decline, two major symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Poor oral hygiene could contribute to these symptoms, as bacteria from the mouth can travel to the brain, making it even more important to take care of your teeth and gums to potentially reduce the risk of neurodegeneration.

3. Trouble with visual-spatial skills

Dementia affects more than memory — it also impairs visual-spatial abilities, making everyday navigation and recognition difficult. Individuals may misjudge distances, struggle with depth perception, or have trouble recognizing familiar faces and objects. These issues can increase the risk of wandering, cause difficulty with reading, and even make driving unsafe.

As visual-spatial decline progresses, a person may lose confidence in their surroundings, further contributing to confusion and disorientation.

4. Inappropriate behavior

People with dementia may begin to exhibit behavior that seems out of character, disregarding social norms they once followed. This is known as disinhibition, a symptom that occurs when brain changes affect impulse control. As a result, they might make rude or tactless remarks, act inappropriately in social settings, or engage in impulsive actions such as touching strangers or speaking loudly in quiet places.

These behaviors can be distressing for loved ones, but they stem from the neurological decline associated with dementia rather than deliberate intent.

5. Hallucinations

Hallucinations in dementia involve seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t actually present. They often occur due to brain damage affecting perception, and are especially common in conditions like dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia.

People with Alzheimer’s disease may also experience hallucinations. These sensory disturbances can be unsettling and may cause fear or confusion, requiring caregivers to provide reassurance and adapt their responses based on the individual’s emotional state.

6. Difficulty to recognizing the smell

Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that a significant early sign of Alzheimer’s is the loss of the sense of smell, often linked to memory decline. If you begin to lose the ability to smell things that are part of your daily routine, it could potentially indicate early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The study focused on the connection between olfactory senses and memory, with an example being not recognizing the scent of your usual body wash while in the shower.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that a reduced sense of smell, such as noticing your once strong-scented body wash seems less fragrant, doesn’t automatically signal Alzheimer’s. Like other senses, smell naturally weakens with age. If you notice this change, there’s no need to be alarmed just yet.

Although not every symptom signals a serious problem, certain warning signs from our bodies can point to underlying health issues and are frequently ignored. When it comes to our health, taking a cautious and proactive approach is always the wiser choice.